British Biotechnology Journal 

About: British Biotechnology Journal is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Murashige and Skoog medium & Fermentation. It has an ISSN identifier of 2231-2927. Over the lifetime, 369 publications have been published receiving 1926 citations.

Waste to Wealth-Value Recovery from Agro - food Processing Wastes Using Biotechnology: A Review

Abstract: From creation, man was charged toincrease, multiply, and subdue the earth �. Thus, man has continually sought to improve the quality of life by transforming nature to provide more food, and better living condition s for long life. Agriculture and technology are part of the tools used to accomplish this transformation and to achieve many of mans goals. Through mechanization and other tools of modern technology man cultivates crops and rears animals for his food need s, processes same through industrial activities for value addition, and carries out other sundry activities -all in a bid to dominate his environment. Major fallout of all these is the generation of wastes, with their attendant implications for the environment generally. Generation of wastes demands that measures must be taken to manage them if the unpleasant consequences of their accumulation (and these are legions) must be averted. Hence, various waste management options have been adopted over time, mostof which had tended to see waste as useless entity that must be disposed off wholesomely. However, modern concepts of waste management tend to see waste from a different perspective, since what is regarded as waste may not be truly totally so, at least, fr

Statistical optimization of process variables for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using heterogeneous base catalyst.

Abstract: In this study,the effects of methanol -to-oil molar ratio, catalyst amount and reaction time on the transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO) to biodiesel were investigated. Methanol with calcium oxide as a heterogeneous catalyst was used for the transesterification process at a temperature of 60 o

Xylanases: An Overview

Abstract: Endo-1,4-�≤ -xylanase (Endo-�≤ -1,4-xylan, xylanohydrolase; EC. 3.2.1.8, commonly called xylanase) is an industrially important enzyme which degrades xylan randomly and produces xylooligosaccharides, xylobiose and xylose. It is mainly present in microbes and plants but not in animals. Xylanases from fungal and bacterial sources have been extensively studied and produced commercially. Its potential use in paper industries has been discussed which is directly related to reduct ion in environmental pollution. It has role in bio-bleaching paper pulp and increasing pulp brightness. Besides, it can be exploited for ethanol production and as an additive in animal feedstock to improve its nutritional value. Endo-1,4-�≤ -xylanase can also be exploited in baking and fruit j uice industries. Here, we reviewed its distribution, structural aspects and industria l/ biotechnological applications. Besides, we also discussed studies related to cloning of the gene encoding endo-1,4-�≤ -xylanase with the objectives of overproducing the enzyme and altering its properties to suit commercial applications.

Co-digestion of food waste and human excreta for biogas production.

Abstract: The ever increasing cost of fossil fuels and its attendant pollution menace has provided the pedigree to consider alternative sources of energy. An investigation was launched into the design and construction of an Anaerobic Digester system from locally available raw materials using local technology and the production of biogas from food wastes and Human excreta generated within a University campus. The experiment lasted for 60 days using a 40-liters laboratory scale anaerobic digester. The volume of gas generated from the mixture was 84,750cm and comprised of 58% CH4, 24% CO2, and 19% H2S and other impurities. The physico-chemistry of the feedstock in the digester revealed an initial drop in pH to more acidic range and a steady increase 4.52 – 6.10. The temperature remained relatively constant at mesophilic range: 22.0oC– 30.5oC throughout the study. The Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N) ratio of the feedstock before digestion was within 139:1. Population distributions of the microflora show aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to include Klebsiella spp, Bacillus spp, Escherichia coli, Clostridium spp and a methanogen of the genera Methanococcus. In most developing nations of Sub-Saharan Africa where biomass is abundant, and where biogas technology is in its infant stage, the anaerobic digestion system could be the much awaited solution. Research Article British Biotechnology Journal, 3(4): 485-499, 2013 486

Antidiabetic activity of Basella rubra and its relationship with the antioxidant property

Abstract: Oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin (STZ) has been shown to damage pancreatic beta cell and produce hyperglycemia in rats. In the present study an attempt was made to examine the action of Basella rubra against experimental diabetes as well as the antioxidant potential of the leaf extract. Aqueous extract of Basella rubra (400mg/kg body weight for 30 days) was found to significantly reduce the blood sugar level. The oxidative stress produced by streptozotocin was found to be significantly lowered when compared to control rats. This was evident from a significant decrease in blood sugar level and increased level of liver enzymatic (Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and non enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin C, E and reduced glutathione). These results indicate that Basella rubra extract effectively reduced the oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin and potential reduction in blood sugar level.